Health costs
Some NHS services, like dentists, charge a fee. If you’re on a low income, you might be entitled to help paying these costs.
NHS costs
If you have a low income, you may be able to get a discount on some NHS costs, such as medical prescriptions, dentists, eye care and wigs and fabric supports.
The NHS website includes information about how to get help with prescriptions, dentists and health costs.
If you pay for more than one prescription every month, you might save money by using a prescription “season ticket”, called a “prescription payment certificate”. Money Saving Expert has information about whether this might work best for you.
Mental Health and Money Advice have advice on their website about managing money if you go into hospital, and ensuring you don't have debts when you leave.
There are some additional charges for some NHS services for migrants. For more information about how your immigration status might affect your entitlement to free NHS care, and how you can access support if you are struggling financially, visit the NRPF Network.
Paying for social care
If you or someone you care for needs social care, you'll usually need to pay for some or all of their care. However, you can ask your local council for a financial assessment (means test) to find out if you could get money off your costs.
There is more information about the financial assessment on the NHS website.
The charity Age UK has more information about paying for care.
See more information about financial support for carers on our Help for Deaf and Disabled Londoners page.
If you receive social care paid for by your local council Inclusion London has created a chatbot to help Londoners construct a claim for disability expenditure.
Vets' bills
If your pet isn't insured, vets’ bills can be very expensive.
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty for Animals (RSPCA) the People's Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) may be able to provide you with free, or subsidised, treatments, including microchipping, neutering and vaccination. Search for support with vets bills in your local area on My Pet Child.